Paris: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot asserted on Wednesday that the newly released US national security strategy supports Paris' long-standing advocacy for Europe to pursue strategic autonomy.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrot emphasized that the US strategy document serves as a moment of clarity, validating France's consistent call for Europe to enhance its strategic independence since 2017. Speaking before French lawmakers, he highlighted Europe's progress in regaining control of its borders, defending against unfair competition, and enforcing regulations on technology giants.

Barrot remarked that despite international opposition, Europe remains resolute in applying consistent rules, noting that TikTok complied with these rules while X did not, prompting the European Commission to act decisively. He stressed the importance of Europe safeguarding its sovereignty, which he believes is essential alongside national sovereignty.

He further stated that the people of Europe reject both military and trade capitulations, aspiring for a Europe that remains democratic and autonomous. Barrot's statements came in response to the US national security strategy, which prioritizes the Indo-Pacific region and dismisses European governments' view of Russia as an existential threat.

The strategy document, released by the Trump administration, warns of Europe's potential economic decline and cultural erosion over the next two decades. It criticizes Europe's handling of EU-skeptical, far-right, and anti-immigration movements, and raises concerns about issues such as migration policies, censorship, declining birthrates, and eroding national identities.